Pasadena Museum Receives Big Donation

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses—the newsletter that connects the city, one event at a time.

In today’s News N’ Roses:

• Pasadena Museum of History Receives Major Donation

• Events this Wednesday & Thursday

• Restaurant Spotlight: Lake Avenue: Then and Now

• Live Music Lowdown

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

P.S. If you missed this the last few times — I put together a short 6-question survey to better understand who’s reading News N’ Roses. It truly takes about 10 seconds. I’d really appreciate it. I’ll be closing the survey on Sunday! Thank you 😃

THE DIGEST

Pasadena Museum of History Receives Major Donation

The Pasadena Museum of History has received a significant new donation honoring one of the city’s most influential artists.

Fifty-five works tied to Pasadena artist and educator Ernest A. Batchelder (1875–1957) were recently donated to the museum by his great-granddaughter, Cynthia Batchelder. The gift includes Batchelder pottery, tiles, bowls, platters, vases, a teapot, and roughly 20 paintings, along with family photographs and memorabilia documenting the artist’s life and work.

Batchelder is widely known for his handcrafted decorative tiles and pottery that helped define the American Arts and Crafts movement in Southern California, with many installations still found in historic Pasadena homes and buildings today.

A few of the newly donated paintings will soon be on display in the exhibition Pasadena Palette: Selections from Pasadena Museum of History’s Collection, opening March 7 and running through December 2026. Once fully cataloged, the complete donation will also be available for viewing through the museum’s Research Library and Archives database.

The new gift expands the museum’s already extensive Batchelder collection, which includes tiles, sketches, archives, and other materials donated by historians and members of the Batchelder family over the years.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Wednesday (3/4)

🎤 Pasadena Rotary Weekly Club Meeting: Guest speakers Karen Billman, Rachel Duarte, and Maria Videla lead a panel discussion titled Color Changes Everything at this weekly Pasadena Rotary gathering open to visitors. University Club of Pasadena | Wednesday at 12PM.

🎬 Ciné Club de mars 2026 / March 2026 Film Club: Timbuktu: Join a French-language discussion of the acclaimed film Timbuktu, exploring themes of faith, resistance, and cultural identity in a conversation led by Katherine. Alliance Française de Pasadena | Wednesday at 1PM.

🎤 Social Hour at the Ice House: A weekly midweek hangout featuring rotating interactive fun like trivia, karaoke, and social games alongside food, drinks, and comedy club energy. The Ice House Comedy Club | Wednesday at 5:30PM.

🧶 Female Fiber Artist Series – Weaving & Long Arm Quilting Orientation: Learn foundational weaving techniques on a frame loom or get trained on the Husqvarna Viking MegaQuilter long arm machine in these hands-on textile workshops at Remainders Creative Reuse. Remainders Creative Reuse (RCR) | Wednesday, March 4 at 6PM.

🧠 Trivia Night: Test your knowledge with Game Night Trivia’s weekly quiz night while enjoying craft beer and friendly competition. Stone Brewing Tap Room | Wednesday, March 4 from 6PM–8PM.

🏊 Red Cross Lifeguard Training: Learn essential lifesaving skills and work toward Red Cross lifeguard certification through this multi-session training course at the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center. Rose Bowl Aquatics Center | March 4–March 15 at 6:30PM.

🅰️ Fer Cozzi: On Ideas, Letters, and Other Things: Type designer and educator Fer Cozzi shares her work and research, exploring how ideas and typefaces evolve through experimentation, iteration, and creative process. ArtCenter South Campus Graphic Design Dept 5th Floor Gallery | Wednesday at 7PM.

🎭 Amadeus: Tony Award-winner Jefferson Mays stars as Antonio Salieri in this acclaimed stage drama exploring his intense rivalry with the brilliant Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The Pasadena Playhouse | Wednesday at 8PM.

😂 Pasadena Comedy Show: Enjoy a midweek comedy night hosted by Paddy featuring guest comedians, improv-style antics, and plenty of laughs. The Mixx Pasadena | Wednesday at 8PM.

😂 Al Madrigal: The Daily Show correspondent and stand-up comedian Al Madrigal brings his sharp, observational comedy to the stage for a live performance. The Ice House Comedy Club | Wednesday at 8PM.

Thursday (3/5)

🌿 Free Day at The Huntington: Enjoy free admission with advance reservation on the first Thursday of the month (tickets released the last Thursday at 9AM while supplies last). The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens | Thursday, March 5.

🧘 An Introduction to Pilates: Learn the fundamentals of Pilates in this low-impact class focused on breath, form, and flow to build strength, flexibility, and mind-body connection. Hastings Branch Library | Thursday at 10:30AM.

🧧 A Cultural Thursday Event! Lunar New Year Celebration: Celebrate the Lunar New Year with a traditional Lion Dance and martial arts demonstrations led by master Ken Hui of the Northern Shaolim Kung Fu Association. Pasadena Senior Center | Thursday at 2PM.

🥕 South Pasadena Farmers’ Market: Shop certified California-grown produce, prepared foods, and enjoy live music at this weekly farmers market featuring local farms and vendors. 913 Meridian Ave. | Thursday from 4PM–7PM.

🗣️ Toastmasters Talk of the Town: Practice public speaking and build confidence in a supportive group setting with coaching and short speech opportunities for participants. Crowell’s Thornton Conference Room | Thursday at 6PM.

✍️ Writer’s Block: Creative Writing & Meaningful Connection: Connect with fellow writers for a relaxed evening of free-writing, sharing work, and thoughtful feedback in a welcoming space open to all experience levels. Octavia’s Bookshelf | Thursday from 6PM–8PM.

🍷 “Braida”: Fine Family Wines from Piemonte: Enjoy a multi-course dinner with wine pairings featuring Braida’s renowned Piemonte wines alongside insights from the winery’s export manager and regional wine expert. Bacchus’ Kitchen + Wine Bar | Thursday from 6:30PM–9:30PM.

🎭 Amadeus: Tony Award-winner Jefferson Mays stars as Antonio Salieri in this acclaimed stage drama exploring his intense rivalry with the brilliant Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The Pasadena Playhouse | Wednesday at 7PM.

🎭 Octopus’s Garden: A world premiere play about two marine biologists and a composer whose lives spiral after an octopus writes a transcendent piece of music, blending science, art, and innovative puppetry. Boston Court Pasadena | Thursday at 7:30PM.

🎭 Richard III: Shakespeare’s gripping drama follows the cunning Richard as he schemes his way to the throne through manipulation, betrayal, and ruthless ambition. A Noise Within | Thursday at 7:30PM.

Save the Date (upcoming & new additions)

🧒 Free First Fridays at Kidspace Children’s Museum: Enjoy free admission to Kidspace on the first Friday of the month from 2–5PM with advance reservation (tickets released about two weeks prior). Kidspace Children’s Museum | Friday, March 6 from 2PM–5PM.

🖼️ Free First Fridays at Norton Simon Museum: Enjoy free admission to the museum’s galleries and garden—no reservations required. Norton Simon Museum | Friday, March 6 from 4PM–7PM.

🛍️ Ezze Flea Market Pasadena: Shop vintage finds, collectibles, designer clothing, and more from 40+ vendors at this pop-up flea market. CTRL Collective | Saturday, March 7 from 10AM–4PM.

🎨 ArtNight Pasadena Spring: Museums and cultural institutions across the city open their doors for free with special programming during this twice-yearly celebration of art and culture. City-Wide Pasadena | Friday, March 13 from 6PM–10PM.

🪩 Glow Before Dark LA: Dance the early evening away to a mix of 80s New Wave, 90s dance club classics, and modern EDM at this high-energy daytime dance party built for people who want the music without the late-night hours. The Mixx | Saturday, March 21 from 5PM–9PM.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. These are just the things you need to know. I’ll always let you know if something is sponsored!

RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT

Lake Avenue: Then and Now

by Peter Dills, Local Food Dude ([email protected])
Listen to the ‘Peter Dills AKA LA Foodie’ podcast here or SoundCloud here.

Late Sunday night, driving home from the airport, I headed north on Lake Avenue. It was quiet — ghost-town quiet. Pasadena has always closed a little earlier than the rest of Los Angeles, but the stillness gave me something rare: a clear look at Lake without the noise. No patio chatter, no valet lines, no weekend crowds. Just storefronts and memories. And suddenly I wasn’t a columnist or radio host — I was a kid again, riding my bike up and down that same stretch of pavement.

Back then, Lake Avenue meant places like Burger Continental, where flaming saganaki felt like international travel, and Baskin-Robbins, still standing today, where choosing from 31 flavors felt like the biggest decision of your young life. There was The Chronicle and The Saw Mill — fixtures of their time. If The Saw Mill and The Chronicle were around today, I think they’d thrive. Pasadena appreciates authenticity now more than ever. What was once just “the local spot” would likely be branded today as heritage dining or retro cool.

Lake Avenue has evolved — sleeker storefronts, new concepts, wine bars, sushi counters, polished patios. But the heartbeat is the same. It’s still families, first dates, business lunches, and Sunday ice cream runs. For those newer to Pasadena, understand this: when you dine on Lake, you’re not just eating. You’re participating in layers of history. Some of us remember it from the seat of a bicycle. Now we just drive it a little slower — and maybe appreciate it a little more.

CIVIC NEWS

Commission on the Status of Women Meeting

This monthly commission meeting advises the Pasadena City Council on issues affecting women across diverse backgrounds and communities. Click here to view agenda. Robinson Park Recreation Center | Wednesday, March 4 at 6:00PM.

Code Enforcement Commission Meeting

The commission meets monthly to hear cases involving housing code violations, appeals, and proposed demolitions in Pasadena. Click here to view agenda. Hale Building | Thursday, March 5 at 4:00PM.

Pasadena Rental Housing Board Meeting

The Pasadena Rental Housing Board holds its regular meeting to oversee and discuss matters related to the city’s Fair and Equitable Housing Charter Amendment. Click here to view agenda. Pasadena City Hall | Thursday, March 5 at 6PM.

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Wednesday

70 🌡️ 49 |🌤️| 💨 SW 7 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 45 (Moderate)

Thursday

71 🌡️ 50 |🌤️| 💨 N 11 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

🎶 Music at Noon: Putter Smith & Jeff Colella: Veteran bassist Putter Smith joins inventive pianist Jeff Colella for a lunchtime jazz performance featuring two of Los Angeles’ most accomplished musicians. Pasadena Presbyterian Church | Wednesday, March 4 from 12:10PM–12:40PM.

🎷 Hagen Jazz: Independent artist Hagen Jazz performs classic, contemporary, and original jazz compositions in an intimate live setting. Edwin Mills | Wednesday, March 4 from 6PM–10PM.

🎶 Wine & Song: Ethan Samuel Brown; Zoe FitzGerald Carter with Jason Luckett: Singer-songwriters Ethan Samuel Brown and Zoe FitzGerald Carter perform an evening of folk-influenced original music, with Carter joined by guitarist and vocalist Jason Luckett. The Hive | Wednesday, March 4 at 7:00PM.

🎷 World Jazz Night: Enjoy an evening of live jazz featuring musicians performing styles and influences from around the world. 1881 Pasadena | Wednesday, March 4 from 8PM–11PM.

🎸 Doug MacDonald: Veteran jazz guitarist Doug MacDonald brings his warm, bop-influenced style and decades of experience performing with legendary musicians to an intimate live set. Edwin Mills | Thursday, March 5 from 6PM–10PM.

🎶 Live Entertainment at The Tap Room: Christopher Linman Duo: Enjoy an evening of ’50s and ’60s jazz from the Christopher Linman Duo while relaxing with cocktails and light bites. The Tap Room at The Langham | Thursday, March 5 from 7:30PM–10:30PM.

🎸 Death Practice featuring Suzie True: High-energy indie and punk sounds take over the stage with Death Practice and special guests Suzie True for a loud, fast-paced live show. Lodge Room Highland Park | Thursday, March 5 at 8PM

🪩 Machine Club 3/5: Rev. John (Bday Set) w/ Gina & Remy: Celebrate Rev. John’s birthday with an industrial and darkwave dance night featuring sets from Gina Kuhn and Remy Marc. Club Tee Gee | Thursday, March 5 from 10PM–2AM.

THANKS!

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